Information society, eEurope: good practices and network security, MODINIS programme 2003-2005

The committee adopted the report by Imelda Mary READ (PES, UK) approving the proposal, subject to a number of amendments under the consultation procedure. It stressed that work done under the MODINIS programme on network and information security should be closely linked to the establishment of the cyber security task force, as foreseen in the e-Europe 2005 Action Plan. It also introduced a new article providing for the candidate countries to participate in the programme and wanted cooperation with those countries to be encouraged in general. On commitology, MEPs called for the Commission to be assisted by an advisory committee (rather than a management committee as originally proposed) composed of one representative from each Member State. They also said that representatives of the candidate countries should be able to take part in committee proceedings as observers in case they are concerned by a specific point on the agenda. Lastly, the committee wanted it to be specified in the proposal that the economic and societal consequences of the Information Society must be analysed not only in terms of industrial competitiveness and cohesion but also in terms of social inclusion, in order to eliminate the risks of digital divide, and in terms of the efficiency of the internal market, e.g. as regards e-commerce and the development of network services. �